Had an update from my buddy John last week on my California Porsche 911 purchase “The Varmint”: that 1980 Porsche 911 SC I bought off the San Francisco Craigslist. John Holleran had gone over it and decided a few things needed doing to make it ‘basically sound’.

The Turbo tie rods were past it; boots destroyed and binding in lock so they needed changing. The clutch release arm was fouling the SSIs hence the weirdo clutch feeling underfoot, that needed sorting. Most other stuff was OK, all except these oil leaks. Inter shaft gasket looked buggered and the crank seal didn’t seem too happy either, so they both needed doing.

John H estimated 4 hours work, plus parts, plus time to do an alignment which sounded sensible to me so I gave him the go ahead, as well as asking for an oil and trans fluid change. My amigo John also suggested we get some parts to replace some missing interior and sort some door rattles while I am over. That sounds cool to me: there are two great Porsche breakers near him and I am keen to visit both.

The car should be ready some time Monday, so am looking forward to a happy driver’s report next week. I hope the seals fix the oil leak. If not, then it could be the number 8 nose bearing shell/O-ring leaking, which is a different kettle of fish, though the problem often results in just dampness as opposed to a full-blown leak. It’s an engine out & case split job to fix it properly, though I could live with a weep for a few years no problem. Fingers crossed, then.